Guelph, Ont., January 11, 2018 – Toronto Mayor John Tory will bring a message of economic opportunity across the entire Toronto-Waterloo corridor when he comes to Guelph as the keynote speaker at the 2018 Regional Economic Summit.

Mayor Tory has accepted an invitation from Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie to speak at the Summit, which is hosted annually by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce and will take place this year on March 22.

Guelph is located in the heart of the Innovation Corridor that stretches from Toronto to Waterloo Region – a corridor that aims to function as one economic region that can compete with Silicon Valley and other technology regions worldwide. Better transportation links, particularly rail service, are seen as vital to that effort.

“Our Innovation Corridor is home to a diverse, highly educated population and game changing ideas,” said Mayor Tory. “I’m excited to share the story of this region as a place where we nurture great talent, grow our industries and engage the public in finding innovative solutions.”

Added Mayor Guthrie, “I’m thrilled to welcome Mayor Tory to Guelph. He is a key voice in our efforts to change the way we look at economic development – from cities competing with each other, to joining together as one globally-competitive region. Those efforts are paying off, with Provincial commitments to two-way all-day GO trains and high-speed rail.”

Following Mayor Tory’s keynote address, the Summit will feature a Regional Leaders Panel that will focus on how to build strong partnerships between multiple levels of government, institutions, and the private sector. As in previous years, the event will be the largest single gathering of leaders in the region.

“The future regional economy will rely heavily on research, clusters of industrial activity and close cooperation among universities, colleges, companies and governments,” said Kithio Mwanzia, President and CEO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce. “Discussion at the Summit will focus on collaborative practices and partnerships that will be necessary as we continue to build effective networks for a more livable community and resilient regional economy.”

The 2018 Regional Economic Summit takes place on March 22, 2018 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Frank Hasenfratz Centre of Excellence in Manufacturing. Be sure to reserve your seat around the table. For tickets, visit guelphchamber.com.